2025

Art for Tomorrow 2025 – Milan, Italy

Overcoming, Together

In 2025, the world is facing unprecedented challenges, many of them rooted in the inequalities that have only been exacerbated by the triple threat of political, economic and climate crises. These challenges can lead to fracture and isolation, turning away from each other instead of coming together, and leaving the most vulnerable behind. But change will only come if we turn outward instead of inward, to our friends, our communities and our planet. 

Art for Tomorrow 2025 was about tapping into this shared humanity to learn about creative solutions to the most entrenched problems. From May 12-14, we convened influential figures from the arts, design and architecture in Milan, to explore the impact that these fields can and do have on society.

The beautiful Triennale Milano, where the event was hosted, was the perfect setting in which to consider contemporary challenges. Art for Tomorrow was proud to be collaborating with both Triennale Milano, which presented the 24th International Exhibition titled “Inequalities” from May 13 to November 9, and with Milan Art Week, which took place in April with the theme “Among Friends.” We also explored Milan’s vibrant cultural landscape, venturing into museums, performance spaces and design studios to see the arts in action.

Here are just some of the topics senior New York Times journalists explored with leading figures from the art world in the plenary sessions this year:

• Community-driven arts 
• Migration as a boon for creativity
• Art in times of war
• Biodiversity celebration
• The power of sound art
• Reviving cultural heritage
• Forging public/private partnerships